A BOLTON-based bar chain has become the first in the country to ban happy hours and all-you-can-drink promotions in a bid to tackle binge drinking.

The Yates group is also set to reduce the alcohol content in cocktails served at its premises, as well as offering free soft drinks to designated drivers at weekends.

Mark Jones, chief executive of the Manchester Road-based company, said: "Binge drinking and its consequences are the biggest issues facing the bar sector right now. Yates Group is determined to tackle this head on, and explore ways in which we can encourage our customers to enjoy themselves in a responsible manner."

The chain, which has bars across the UK, is also set to impose a minimum £1 charge on alcoholic beverages.

The move comes ahead of a Government clampdown on cheap drink offers, which are seen to encourage binge drinking.

It will form part of the company's Barsafe scheme, under which a number of ways to encourage responsible drinking have been devised, including incentives to Yates bars to join Pubwatch schemes.

The chain, which runs 130 bars across the country, including an outlet on Bradshawgate, is believed to be the first company to react to the government's proposed measures. It says the growing concern over binge drinking has prompted the company to address the issue.

The scheme has won the backing of National Pubwatch, a voluntary organisation which works to achieve a safe and secure drinking environment.

The group's honorary secretary, Malcolm Eidmans, said: "We applaud this move, especially the commitment to support operational staff in getting involved with Pubwatch. Now we'd like to see other companies following Yates Group's lead."